Tensions high in Dungannon over East Timor ‘gang fears’, court hears

By Rebecca Black (Press Association)

Tensions are high in Dungannon over fears of East Timor gang activity, a court has heard.

Januario Soares, 35, and Guilherme Mau, 32, both with addresses in Dungannon appeared before the town’s Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday accused of assault occasioning actual bodily harm against a man on Monday.

A police officer said they believed they could connect the accused to the charge.

An application for bail for both was opposed by police citing community tensions as well as concern about reoffending and interfering with witnesses.

An officer told the court that police had responded to a 999 call around 7.30pm on Monday reporting criminal damage and a group of 10 people, some armed with knives in the Killyman Road area.

He said after calling to a house they found the door had been removed by having its hinges broken and and the upstairs windows smashed, before later seeing Soares and Mau attacking a man who was on the ground with both hands and clenched fists about the head.

The victim was observed as having lacerations on the right side of his nose, but he declined to make a complaint to police.

While the officer said Mau said he was trying to break up a fight, Soares made no comment during interview.

He said police strongly oppose bail over concerns over reoffending and potential of witness interference.

He went on to describe community tensions as high.

“There is also a concern for the defendant’s safety as tensions in the area are high,” he said.

Reading a letter from the inspector who covers the area he continued: “Community tensions are very high in the area after this incident.

“The community have very angrily expressed concerns with the actions observed involving East Timorese groups.

“A YouTube video broadcast on the 14th (July) interviews residents of the area, one of which is very angry about what has happened and has been viewed by over 4,000 people, with 120 comments.

“The comments are mostly negative towards East Timorese gang violence.”

The letter also notes that positive engagement between the East Timor community in Dungannon with police has been impacted by wider events.

Meanwhile, a vigil was held outside Dungannon police station opposing East Timor gang violence and in support of the victim.

The officer added: “Efforts are going on to try to de-escalate the situation and police are continuing to try and progress the investigation which is at an early stage.

“While it is certainly not my area of expertise, it is my understanding that in East Timor culture gangs play a part, and they can be problematic, and there is an element of honour within these sort of groups.”

He said three people have been arrested in relation to the incident.

One accused of criminal damage was released on police bail.

A defence solicitor queried why one was released on bail, and pointed out that no statement has been made by the alleged victim to police about the assault.

He also disputed the claim of a risk of further offending, and pointed out that there is a significant investigation pending likely to go on for a “fairly significant period of time”.

District Judge Mark Hamill pointed out police had witnessed the assault.

He refused bail “due to ongoing gang violence”.

“Bail is refused because of the risk of ongoing gang-related violence,” he said.

The pair are due to appear at court again via videolink on August 12.

Alliance Party Policing Board Member Peter McReynolds said footage that emerged from Dungannon on Monday night was “deeply disturbing”.

“I’m aware people have been arrested, and I have been liaising with the PSNI on the need to ensure everyone involved in the violence is brought to justice,” he said.

“Violence, weapons and damage to public property have no place on our streets. I’d like to thank the police for their swift action in keeping the public safe.”

A general view of Dungannon court